Upon the conclusion of the 2016 regular season, I briefly wrote about Big Papi’s impact on Red Sox nation following his 2004 post-season heroics. The dynasty of the Patriots may have started with Parcells and Bledsoe, but it’s Belichick and Brady who wear the rings and will be remembered for generations to come.

As Brady recently became the winningest QB in NFL history, I am brought back to a time before Parcells came to Foxboro, when the Patriots were a distant 4th in the Boston sports scene, and considering leaving town all together. While Bledsoe was the catalyst, Brady was the explosion, and we haven’t looked back since. Regardless of how much longer #12 suites up on Sunday, we should all pause and appreciate the moment we are living in.

Speaking of the Patriots, prior to NFL Kickoff weekend, I also wrote a preview column where I projected Rob Gronkowski to record 1500 receiving yards for the season. I blame myself.

For any doubters of the Chris Sale trade, consider this; If I said to you a month ago that you could get Chris Sale without having to give up Betts, Bogaerts, or Benintendi would you do it?

Speaking of the White Sox, rumor has it that the Rockies are in talks with the south siders about Jose Abreu. Has there ever been a better match than Abreu in the Mile-High City?​

While I like Andrew Bogut and think he could help the Celtics in the low post, he isn’t the missing piece for a championship run, a piece I don’t see Boston adding this year, and if the Aussie wants to get paid in the offseason, I don’t see the point in giving up a future 1st round draft pick for a one-year rental.

(Fox Sports)

If you’re keeping track at home, the Bruins are currently 23rd in the NHL in goals per game, averaging 2.35 per night.

Even after a PAC 12 Championship loss to #4 Washington last week, Colorado still finished with their best record in 15 years. Hats off to coach Mike MacIntyre on a truly well coached season.

Speaking of college coaches, the fact that new Longhorns coach Tom Herman was mentored by Greg Davis, the 2005 UT National Championship Offensive Coordinator and assistant to Mack Brown at Tulane and UNC, certainly didn’t hurt the hot Houston coach’s chances for the job.

(UPI)

I think it’s fair to begin the Brock Osweiler/Matt Flynn comparisons.

It’s hard to believe it only took 13 years for an MLB Commissioner to decide that the results of the All-Star Game should not determine home field advantage for the World Series.

Personally, I don’t think Jeff Fisher is as bad as some of the critics say, but even I have to question when a coach with a 31-44-1 record in 5 years gets a contract extension.

Even with 80 teams playing 40 Bowl Games, count Texas and Notre Dame as two behemoth programs that won’t be participating post-season football.

Don’t look now but following his 4 under par, Tiger Woods has increased his world ranking from 898 to 650.